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2008 Consumer Confidence Report & Annual Water Supply Statement
Your water supply
Statement & statistics
Water quality
Water sources
Source Water Assessment
Sources and treatment
Frequently asked questions
Cryptosporidium and Giardia
Lead in drinking water
Pharmaceutical Test Summary
Conservation
Water pressure
Important phone numbers
Detected contaminants
Contaminants not detected
Distribution system map
Terms & abbreviations
East Side Springs Sky Ridge Took's Spring

Detected contaminants

The frequency that various contaminants are tested for is regulated by the State and can vary from source to source. The State allows for some contaminants to be tested for less than once a year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, is more than one year old. Some contaminants are monitored at the various sources more often than required.

Inorganic contaminants found at entry point

Aluminum

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits; residual aluminum may be from a chemical used in the treatment process.
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
0.13
(0.10-.15)
mg/L NA NA
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 0.13 mg/L NA NA

Barium

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
0.037
(0.035-.038)
mg/L 2 2
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 0.021 mg/L 2 2
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 0.025 mg/L 2 2

Calcium

Likely source: Naturally occurring
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
40
(39-41)
mg/L NA NA
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 33 mg/L NA NA

Chloride

Likely source: Naturally occurring, road salts
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
37
(36-37)
mg/L NA 250
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 26 mg/L NA 250
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 17 mg/L NA 250

Chromium

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
1.8
(nd-.4)
µg/L 100 100

Copper

Likely source: Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits, leaching from wood preservatives
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
0.0013
(0.0011-0.0014)
mg/L NA AL=1.3
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Jul 08 0.012 mg/L NA AL=1.3

Fluoride

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits, water additive that promotes strong teeth, discharge from fertilizer
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Daily 0.98
(0.05-1.20)
mg/L NA 2.2
Lake Ontario
No Twice daily 1.04
(0.88-1.26)
mg/L NA 2.2
Skaneateles Lake
No Twice daily 0.96
(0.62-1.40)
mg/L NA 2.2
Information on Fluoride Addition: OCWA is one of many drinking water systems that provide drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. According to the United States Center for Disease Control, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at an optimal range from 0.8 to 1.2 mg/L. To ensure that the fluoride supplement in your water provides optimal dental protection, the NYS Health Department requires that we monitor fluoride levels on a daily basis. During 2008 monitoring showed fluoride levels in your water were in the optimal range 97.8% of the time for Otisco Lake water, 100% of the time for Lake Ontario water, and 99.7% for Skaneateles water.

Free chlorine residual

Likely source: Added to water to kill harmful bacteria and to prevent regrowth of bacteria
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Every 4 hr 1.05
(0.59-1.64)
mg/L NA 4 (MRDL)
Lake Ontario
No Every hr 0.87
(0.75-0.98)
mg/L NA 4 (MRDL)
Skaneateles Lake
No Daily 1.33
(0.04- 2.2)
mg/L NA 4 (MRDL)

Magnesium

Likely source: Naturally occurring
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
11
(10-11)
mg/L NA NA

Nickel

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
1.8
(1.5-2.0)
µg/L NA NA
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 1.2 µg/L NA NA

Nitrate

Likely source: Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage, erosion of natural deposits
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
0.42
(nd-0.82)
mg/L 10 10
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 0.35 mg/L 10 10
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 0.64 mg/L 10 10

Sodium

Likely source: Naturally occurring, road salts, water softeners, animal wastes
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
20
(18-22)
mg/L NA See health effects
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 18 mg/L NA See health effects
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 8.6 mg/L NA See health effects
Health effects of sodium: Sodium has no MCL, but water containing more than 20 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Water containing more than 270 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted diets.

Silver

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
23
(nd-36)
µg/L NA NA

Sulfate

Likely source: Naturally occurring
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar 08
Sep 08
15
(15-15)
mg/L NA 250
Lake Ontario
No Jul 08 26 mg/L NA 250
Skaneateles Lake
No May 08 14 mg/L NA 250

Organic contaminants found at entry point

Di(2-ethyl hexyl)phthlate (DEHP)

Likely source: Used plastic products such as polyvinyl chloride, plastic toys, vinyl upholstery, adhesives and coatings. Coupound is likely to be released to the environment during production and waste disposal of these products. Also used in inks, pesticides, cosmeetics, and vacuum pump oil.
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Jan, May, Aug, Nov 2008 0.9
(nd-2.1)
µg/L 0 6

Dissolved organic carbon

Likely source: Naturally occurring
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Monthly 08 2.2
(1.9-3.3)
mg/L NA NA

Haloacetic acids

Likely source: By-product of drinking water chlorination
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar, Aug 08 6.9
(6.2-7.5)
µg/L NA 60

Total organic carbon

Likely source: Naturally occurring
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Monthly 08 2.1
(1.9-2.4)
mg/L NA NA
Lake Ontario
No Feb, May, Aug, Nov 08 1.8
(1.5-2.0)
mg/L NA NA

Total trihalomethanes

Likely source: By-product of drinking water chlorination. TTHMs form when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar, Aug, Nov 08 10.2
(9.5-11)
µg/L NA 80

Radionuclides found at entry point

Gross alpha

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No 2008 0.55 pCi/L 0 15

Gross beta

Likely source: Decay of natural deposits and man-made emissions
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No 2008 2.19 pCi/L 0 50*

Radium 226

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Lake Ontario
No 2008 0.0879 pCi/L 0 5**

Radium 228

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No 2008 0.0605 pCi/L 0 5**

Uranium 233/234

Likely source: Erosion of natural deposits
Skaneateles Lake
No 2008 0.288 pCi/L na 30
*New York State considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.

* NYS Considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.
** 5 pCi/L is the regulatory limit for Combined Radium 226 and 228

Bacteria found in distribution system

Total coliform bacteria

Likely source: Naturally present in the environment
O C W A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Month with highest % positive samples Units MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Approx 78 per week Sep
0.29%
(1 of 350)
NA 0 >5% positive samples in any month
Whenever a positive sample for total coliform is found, the sample is further tested for the presence of E. coli, and four check samples are taken. No samples were found to be E. coli positive in 2008. OCWA regularly samples about 78 sites per week located throughout our distribution system. We test these sites for both bacteria and disinfectant residual to ensure that our water is of a safe and sanitary quality.

Disinfectant & disinfection by-products in distribution system

Disinfection by-products: During disinfection, certain by-products form as a result of chlorine reacting with naturally occurring organic matter. The disinfection process is carefully monitored so that disinfection is effective, while levels of disinfection by-products are kept low. Trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are classes of chemicals that OCWA is required to monitor in its distribution system.

Chlorine residual

Likely source: Added to water to kill harmful bacteria and to prevent the regrowth of bacteria.
OCWA distribution system
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Approx 78/week 0.53
(0.01 -2.98)
mg/L NA
(MRDLG)
4 (MRDL)

Total trihalomethanes*

Likely source: By-product of drinking water chlorination. TTHMs form when source water contains large amounts of organic matter.
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 53
(32-114)
µg/L NA 80
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 47
(31- 72)
µg/L NA 80
Skaneateles Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 26.5
(20-36)
µg/L NA 80
INITIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EVALUATION (IDSE)**
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Six times: Oct 07-Aug 08 38.3
(19-84)
µg/L NA 80
* Total trihalomethanes are the combined concentration of the following four contaminants: bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and dibromochloromethane.

Haloacetic acids

Likely source: By-product of drinking water chlorination.
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 31
(12-55)
µg/L NA 60
Lake Ontario
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 37
(7.5-50)
µg/L NA 60
Skaneateles Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Quarterly: Feb, May, Aug, Nov 21
(7.5-30)
µg/L NA 60
INITIAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EVALUATION (IDSE)**
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Six times: Oct 07-Aug 08 20.8
(1-46)
µg/L NA 60
Haloacetic acids are the combined concentration of the following five contaminants: dibromo-, dichloro-, monobromo-, monochloro-, and trichloro-, acetic acids.
** IDSE was a special testing event mandated by the USEPA. Testing started in October of 2007 and ended in Auust of 2008. Samples were taken 60 days apart at twenty-four sites located throughout the OCWA system representing all three sources of water. The test results from the IDSE will be combined with OCWA's regular disinfection by-product results in order to select future testing sites complying with regulations effective in 2012.

Physical characteristics found at entry point

Color

Likely source: Natural color may be caused by decaying leaves, plants, and soil organic matter.
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Date(s) of sampling Average
(range)
Units measured MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Mar, Sep 08 1
(nd-2)
Units NA 15

Turbidity

Likely source: Soil runoff
Otisco Lake
Violation yes/no Sampling frequency (date of highest reading) Average
(range)
Units MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL) Lowest % of monthly tests meeting limit
No Every 4 hr
(Jun 08)
0.06
(0.02-0.15)
NTU NA TT=0.3 NTU for systems that filter 100%
Lake Ontario
No Every 4 hr
(Jul 08)
0.06
(0.04-0.09)
NTU NA TT=0.3 NTU for systems that filter 100%
Skaneateles Lake
Yes* Every 4 hr
(Feb 08)
0.49
(0.22-14.7)
NTU NA TT=5.0 NTU for systems that don't filter NA

About turbidity

Customers OCWA get their water from one of three sources. Water may originate from Otisco Lake, which is treated by OCWA itself, Lake Ontario which is treated by the Metropolitan Water Board (MWB) and wholesaled to OCWA, or Skaneateles Lake which is treated by the Syracuse Water Department and also sold to OCWA. Customers may also get a mixture of these waters.

Water purveyors are required to measure turbidity as water leaves their plants. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants. Treatment plants that filter also measure it because it is a good indicator of filter efficiency. Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario waters are filtered. Skaneateles Lake water is not.

*Treatment technique violation for turbidity

On Feb 18, 2008 because because of high winds, the turbidity levels entering the City of Syracuse's intake exceeded the maximum allowable standard of 5 turbidity units. Notification of this event was made to the public and to the Onondaga County Health Department . OCWA customers were not effected by this high turbidity water. This is because OCWA maintains equipment that continuously monitors the turbidity of Skaneateles Lake water purchased at our connection in the Westhill Water District. This connection is shut down when turbidities approach 5 NTU. Other OCWA customers who receive Skaneateles Water would not have been affected by this event.

Health effects of turbidity

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Please pay special attention to the additional statements in this report regarding Cryptosporidium.

Copper and lead in distribution system

Copper

Likely source: Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits, leaching from wood preservatives
Violation yes/no Sampling date(s) Average
(range)
90th percentile Units MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Jun 08 0.1
(0.001-0.61)
0.22 mg/L 0 AL=1.3*
*AL (Action Level)—Only 10% of samples may exceed this level.

Lead

Likely source: Corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits
Violation yes/no Sampling date(s) Average
(range)
90th percentile Units MCLG Regulatory limit (MCL, TT, or AL)
No Jun 08 1.6
(nd-8.7)
3.7 µg/L 0 AL=15*
*AL (Action Level)—Only 10% of samples may exceed this level.

About lead & copper

In order to deter the leaching of lead and/ or copper from our customers’ pipes, OCWA has been mandated to implement corrosion control. Lead & Copper Sampling is required every 3 years. The method of corrosion control used on waters originating from Otisco and Skaneateles lakes is the addition of orthophosphate . The adjustment of pH is the method used for Ontario water. OCWA’s latest sampling period was in June of 2008 when
OCWA sampled and tested customers’ taps to make sure the corrosion controls were effective.

90th percentile values for lead & copper

The values reported for lead and copper represent the 90th percentile. The 90th percentile value is the concentration that 90% of the taps sampled were at or below. Since the Action Level for lead is 15 µg/L, 90% of the taps tested had to be at or below this value. As you can see from the above chart 90% of the taps tested were at or below 3.7 µg/L in June of 2008. The Action Level for copper is 1.3 mg/L. The observed 90th percentile for copper was 0.22 mg/L.

Of the 123 samples that OCWA tested in June of 2008, no sample exceeded the action level for lead or copper. The testing showed that our methods of corrosion control are working.
More information: or 315-455-7061
After hours & weekend emergency answering service 315-475-7601